The First Total Synthesis of the Diastereoisomers A and B of Tuxpanolide from Perymenium hintonii

The first total synthesis of the diastereoisomers A and B of the natural product Tuxpanolide have been achieved through the stereo‐controlled construction of optically active β‐hydroxyl‐γ‐butyrolactones, the aldol coupling, dehydration and deprotection reaction with the p‐TsOH as the key steps.     

Total Synthesis of (+)‐Machaeriols B and C and of Their Enantiomers with a Cannabinoid Structure

An efficient and concise synthesis of the biologically interesting (+)‐machaeriol B ( 2 ) and its enantiomer 5 was accomplished from O‐phenylhydroxylamine ( 7 ) in four steps (Scheme 2). In addition, the first total synthesis of natural (+)‐machaeriol C ( 3 ) and its enantiomer 6 was achieved from the readily available ester 15 in eight steps (Scheme 4). The key strategies in the syntheses of 2 and 5 involved benzofuran formation through a [3,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangement and trans‐hexahydrodibenzopyran formation by a domino aldol‐type/hetero‐Diels–Alder reaction. In the case of 3 and 6 , the key steps were stilbene formation by a Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction and trans‐hexahydrodibenzopyran formation by domino reactions.     

Single-Nitrogen Atom Incorporation into B=B Bond via the N=N Bond Splitting of Diazo Compound and Diazirine

Triboraazabutenyne 3 is synthesized by the reaction of diboraazabutenyne 1 with aryl boron dibromide followed by the reduction. The ligand exchange to replace phosphine on the terminal sp² B atom with carbene furnishes 4 . ¹¹B NMR, solid-state structures, and computational studies disclose that 3 and 4 feature the extremely polarized B=B bond. 4 readily splits the N=N bond of both diazo compound and diazirine under ambient conditions, whereby one nitrogen atom is incorporated into the B=B moiety leading to a neutral diboraazaallene 6 . The mechanism of the reaction between 4 and diazo compound is extensively investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, as well as the isolation of an intermediate.     

Total Synthesis of Leucosceptroids A and B

Leucosceptroids A and B are sesterterpenoids with potent antifeedant and antifungal activities. A more efficient gram‐scale total synthesis of leucosceptroid B and the first total synthesis of leucosceptroid A are presented. The key transformations include an aldol reaction between a substituted dihydrofuranone and an (S)‐citronellal‐derived aldehyde, a SmI₂‐mediated intramolecular ketyl–olefin radical cyclization, and final‐stage alcohol oxidation.     

Iridium-Catalyzed Regioselective B(3)-Alkenylation/B(3,6)-Dialkenylation of o-Carboranes by Direct B−H Activation

Iridium-catalyzed formal alkyne hydroboration with cage B−H of o-carborane has been achieved, leading to the controlled synthesis of a series of 3,6-[trans-(AlkCH=CH)]₂-o-carboranes (Alk=alkyl), 3-cis-(ArCH=CH)-o-carboranes (Ar=aryl), and 3-cis-(ArCH=CH)-6-trans-(AlkCH=CH)-o-carboranes in high yields with excellent regio- and very good cis–trans selectivity. The most electron-deficient B(3,6)−H vertices favor oxidative addition on electron-rich metal centers, which is responsible for the regioselectivity. On the other hand, the configuration of the resultant olefinic units is dominated by alkyne substituents. Alkyl groups lead to a trans-configuration whereas bulky aryl substitutions result in cis-configuration.     

Concise Total Synthesis of Ieodomycin A and B

A concise total synthesis of ieodomycin A and B was achieved in six and seven steps respectively from commercially available geraniol, which involved the construction of the C-5 hydroxyl via an Ti(OⁱPr)₄/(S)-BINOL-mediated asymmetric aldol reaction as the key step.     

Boron-Made N2: Realization of a B≡B Triple Bond in the B2Al3− Cluster

Until now, all B≡B triple bonds have been achieved by adopting two ligands in the L→B≡B←L manner. Herein, we report an alternative route of designing the B≡B bonds based on the assumption that by acquiring two extra electrons, an element with the atomic number Z can have properties similar to those of the element with the atomic number Z+2. Specifically, we show that due to the electron donation from Al to B, the negatively charged B≡B kernel in the B₂Al₃⁻ cluster mimics a triple N≡N bond. Comprehensive computational searches reveal that the global minimum structure of B₂Al₃⁻ exhibits a direct B–B distance of 1.553 Å, and its calculated electron vertical detachment energies are in excellent agreement with the corresponding values of the experimental photoelectron spectrum. Chemical bonding analysis revealed one σ and two π bonds between the two B atoms, thus confirming a classical textbook B≡B triple bond, similar to that of N₂.     

First total synthesis of the marine steroid alkaloid plakinamine B

The first total synthesis of the marine steroid alkaloid plakinamine B (1) was accomplished in seven steps starting from known aldehyde 3. Key steps in this synthesis are the attachment of a vinylpyridine side chain by an aldol reaction, a chemoselective reduction of a pyridinium salt to a vinyl tetrahydropyridine, and the introduction of the 3α-methylamino group under Mitsunobu conditions. Plakinamine B and some of its precursors with amino or pyridinium side chains show significant antimicrobial activities.     

Total synthesis of phorboxazole B

An efficient and highly convergent total synthesis of the potent antitumor agent phorboxazole B has been achieved. The synthetic strategy of this synthesis features: 1) a highly efficient substrate-controlled hydrogenation to construct the functionalized cis-tetrahydropyrane unit; 2) iterative crotyl addition to synthesize the segment that contains alternating hydroxyl and methyl substituents; 3) Hg(OAc)2/I2-induced cyclization to establish the cis-tetrahydropyrane moiety; 4) 1,3-asymmetric induction in the Mukaiyama aldol reaction to afford the stereogenic centers at C9 and C3; and 5) the exploration of the Still-Gennari olefination reaction to complete the macrolide ring of phorboxazoloe B.     

DFT Study on the Origin of the Enantioselectivity of （S）-4-Hydroxylproline-Catalyzed Direct Aldol Reaction between Acetone and 4-Nitrobenzaldehyde

DFT-B3LYP calculations were carried out to study the enantioselectivity of the （S）-4-hydroxylproline-catalyzed direct aldol reaction between acetone and 4-nitrobenzaldehyde. Four transition structures associated with the stereo-controlling step of the reaction have been determined. They are corresponding to the anti and syn arrangements of the methylene moiety related to the carboxylic acid group in enamine intermediate and the si and re attacks to the aldehyde carbonyl carbon. The effect of DMSO solvent on the stereo-controlling step was investigated with polarized continuum model （PCM）. The computed energies of the transition states reveal the moderate enantioselectivity of the reaction.     

A Versatile Approach for Synthesis of 2,3-Dimethyl Chroman-4-ones,Intermediate for Calanolide Anti-HIV Agents,VIA Aldol/Mitsunobu Reactions

Combined aldol/Mitsunobu reactions have been employed for the first time for synthesis of 2,3-dimethyl chroman-4-ones, intermediates for calanolide anti-HIV agents. Thus, the lithium enolate of chromene 1 reacted with acetaldehyde at -78°C to afford the aldol products 4 and 5. Under Mitsunobu conditions (Ph₃P/DEAD), the syn aldol product 4 led to the formation of trans-2,3-dimethyl chroman-4-one 2 while the anti aldol product 5 yielded both trans and cis derivatives (2 and 3). The use of other phosphorous and azo compounds in this reaction has also been investigated.     

An RCM‐Based Total Synthesis of the Antibiotic Disciformycin B

The total synthesis of the potent new antibiotic disciformycin B ( 2 ) is described, which shows significant activity against methicillin‐ and vancomycin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA/VRSA) strains. The synthetic route is based on macrocyclization of a tetraene substrate to the 12‐membered macrolactone core by ring‐closing olefin metathesis (RCM). Although macrocyclization was accompanied by concomitant cyclopentene formation by an alternative RCM pathway, conditions were established to give the macrocycle as the major product. Key steps in the construction of the RCM substrate include a highly efficient Evans syn‐aldol reaction, the asymmetric Brown allylation of angelic aldehyde, and the stereoselective Zn(BH₄)₂‐mediated 1,2‐reduction of an enone. The synthesis was completed by late‐stage dehydrative glycosylation to introduce the d ‐arabinofuranosyl moiety and final chemoselective allylic alcohol oxidation.     

1,2-萘醌类化合物抑制PTP1B的三维定量构效关系研究

蛋白酪氨酸磷酸酶1B (protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, PTP-1B)是近年来发现的治疗II型糖尿病的新靶点, 1,2-萘醌类化合物对PTP-1B有较好的抑制活性, 具有良好的药用前景. 为了设计出本类化合物抑制效果更好的分子构型, 用比较分子力场分析(CoMFA)和比较分子相似性指数分析(CoMSIA)对该类化合物进行了三维定量构效关系(3D-QSAR)的研究, 并建立了相关的预测模型. 其中, CoMFA模型的交叉验证相关系数(q²)为0.555, 非交叉验证相关系数(r²)为0.991, 标准偏差(SEE)为0.049, F值为564.910. CoMSIA模型的q²为0.558, r²为0.991, SEE为0.050, F值为542.773. 计算结果表明, 获得的CoMFA和CoMSIA模型具有良好的预测能力, 可以应用于指导该类化合物的设计.     

Asymmetric Total Synthesis of (−)‐Kravanhin B

The first asymmetric total synthesis of kravanhin B has been accomplished with a linear reaction sequence of 13 steps starting from (R)‐(?)‐carvone. The synthesis features an intramolecular aldol cyclization to construct the desired cis‐fused decalin skeleton and an acid‐catalyzed dehydration and olefin isomerization to install the γ‐butenolide ring.     

Total Synthesis and Structure Revision of Didemnaketal B

Didemnaketal B, a structurally complex spiroacetal that exhibits potent HIV‐1 protease inhibitory activity, was originally discovered by Faulkner and his colleagues from the ascidian Didemnum sp. collected at Palau. Its absolute configuration was proposed on the basis of degradation/derivatization experiments of the authentic sample. However, our total synthesis of the proposed structure of didemnaketal B questioned the stereochemical assignment made by Faulkner et al. Here we describe in detail our first total synthesis of the proposed structure 2 of didemnaketal B, which features 1) a convergent synthesis of the C7–C21 spiroacetal domain by means of a strategy exploiting Suzuki–Miyaura coupling, 2) an Evans syn‐aldol reaction and a vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol reaction for the assembly of the C1–C7 acyclic domain, and 3) a Nozaki–Hiyama–Kishi reaction for the construction of the C21–C28 side chain domain. The NMR spectroscopic discrepancies observed between synthetic 2 and the authentic sample as well as careful inspection of the Faulkner’s stereochemical assignment led us to postulate that the absolute configuration of the C10–C20 domain of 2 has been erroneously assigned. Accordingly, the total synthesis of the revised structure 65 was achieved to show that the NMR spectroscopic properties of synthetic 65 were in good agreement with those of the authentic sample. Furthermore, application of the phenylglycine methyl ester (PGME) method to the C7–C21 spiroacetal domain enabled us to establish the absolute configuration of didemnaketal B.     

Efficient total synthesis of manzacidin B

The highly diastereoselective synthesis of the marine natural product, (?)-manzacidin B, is described. A novel copper-catalyzed aldol reaction of the α-methylserine-derived aldehyde with an isocyanoacetate possessing (1R)-camphorsultam as the chiral auxiliary proceeded in a highly diastereoselective manner to give the (4R,5R,6R)-adduct, which was converted into manzacidin B in a few steps.     

First total synthesis of rhuscholide A,glabralide B and denudalide

The first total synthesis of rhuscholide A, a benzofuran lactone possessing anti-HIV-1 activity, had been accomplished in 14 linear steps with 10.6% overall yield. In this synthesis, base-mediated phenol ortho-alkylation and piperidine promoted aldol condensation were exploited as key steps. The synthesis was flexible and allowed for the convenient preparation of two analogous natural products glabralide B and denudalide.     

Asymmetric Synthesis of Simplactones A and B

A new, simple, and short route for the synthesis of simplactones A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ) was achieved from a synthetically prepared chiral auxiliary, i.e., the Oppolzer camphor‐derived sultam 4 , and (4‐methoxybenzyl)‐protected 3‐hydroxypropanal, in 52 and 48% overall yield, respectively, and with high diastereoselectivity (Schemes 2 and 3).     

Macrorhynines A and B,Two Novel Norditerpenoid Alkaloids from Aconitum macrorhynchum

Two novel norditerpenoid alkaloids, macrorhynines A and B ( 1 and 2 ), together with seven known compounds, were isolated from Aconitum macrorhynchum. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as (1α,6α,14α)‐8‐acetoxy‐1,6,16‐trimethoxy‐4‐(methoxymethyl)aconitan‐14‐yl 4‐methoxybenzoate ( 1 ) and (1α,6α,14α)‐8‐acetoxy‐13‐hydroxy‐1,6,16‐trimethoxy‐4‐(methoxymethyl)aconitan‐14‐yl 4‐methoxybenzoate ( 2 ) on the basis of spectral analyses. The novel compounds were found to contain the rare C(19)?N, azomethine, group.     

Synthesis, experimental and theoretical NMR study of 2′-hydroxychalcones bearing a nitro substituent on their B ring

The synthesis of several 2′-hydroxynitrochalcones has been accomplished by an aldol reaction of equimolar amounts of the appropriate 2′-hydroxyacetophenones with nitrobenzaldehydes in alkaline medium. The reaction of 2′-hydroxyacetophenones bearing a 6′-methoxy with 2- or 4-nitrobenzaldehydes gave the expected 2′-hydroxynitrochalcones and also 4-methoxynitroaurones, being the latter ones the unique reaction products when using 2 molar equiv of nitrobenzaldehydes. The reaction mechanisms for the formation of both products are discussed. The ¹³C NMR chemical shifts have been discussed first by means of an empirical additive model and then by comparison with GIAO/B3LYP calculated absolute shieldings.